Philly Police Recommend Charges

The Philadelphia Police Department has recommended criminal charges against two high ranking officers for their alleged roles in the cover-up of a 1998 drunken-driving accident.

One of the officers, Capt. James Brady, handed in his retirement papers Tuesday, a police spokesman said. Brady walked past reporters without commenting.

Brady and Capt. Joseph DiLacqua were informed Monday that they faced possible arrest. A spokesman for the district attorney's office said the matter remained under investigation and declined to comment further. A press conference was set for Wednesday.

According to an internal affairs report, Brady was stopped on Feb. 13, 1998, while driving his unmarked patrol car, which had a crumpled front end, an inflated air bag and steam rising from the engine.

Brady allegedly had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.

DiLacqua, then a lieutenant, allegedly ordered another patrolman to move Brady's car to make it look like Brady had swerved to avoid another vehicle, investigators said.

Brady and DiLacqua, who were each given 20-day suspensions, have refused to comment.